How to Get Alternative Wall Coverings
If you decorate with painting and photos, plain off-white walls work best. However, walls can make a design statement that surpasses traditional paint, and some estimates place the market for alternative walls coverings in the U.S. at $2.5 billion. Here are some choices to consider. Does this Spark an idea?
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Go with wood. Wood paneling is commonly used as an alternative to finishing garages and basements. A whole new line of thin wood veneers installs more readily and uses less hardwood. And some wallpapers are available with cork surfaces. These are thicker than traditional wall coverings, but because the cork is lightweight, it can be pasted in the same way as wallpaper. It imparts a cozy, woodsy feel to a living space.
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Consider vinyl. That popular exterior siding option has moved inside. It hangs like wallpaper and wipes off cleanly so it's ideal for nurseries, kitchens and in homes with pets. Install any vinyl wall coverings during a season when you can keep your windows open. For the first week or so, it will release volatile organic compounds into the air. If there is a fire, vinyl will release toxins like dioxin and hydrochloric acid. Since vinyl is impervious to moisture, it won't rot in a humid climate, although it has been known to trap mold within a wall. Vinyl wall covering is easier to strip and replace than wallpaper and lasts longer. When disposing of it, make sure that it isn't incinerated.
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Choose glass fabric, like Vitrulan, as an interesting wall cover. It doesn't burn or smoke. It's chemically inert and doesn't release VOCs. Since it's inorganic, it doesn't encourage mold or mildew growth. Glass fabric is durable, with the color added in the manufacturing process. The cost is comparable to vinyl, and it can be repainted for a change of color.
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Opt for Mylar. This foil can be difficult to work with because it wrinkles easily. However, its reflective surface can be quite striking.
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For classrooms and studies, order customized, flexible white board surfaces that wrap around columns or take up entire walls.
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Invest in ceramic. Generally, ceramic tiles are relegated to bathrooms and kitchens, but they clean readily and can be used in a nursery.
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Commit to natural materials. Wall coverings made out of grass cloth, burlap or bamboo are in vogue. They lend a tropical feel to a room. These materials can decay in climates with high humidity and don't wear as well as others. If you can, choose a fabric that has a paper backing for installation, something comparable to wall paper.
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Research eco-friendly options. Recycled material is frequently used to cover walls in green buildings. Ecodomo makes wall and floor tiles. It collects leather scraps from the manufacture of car seats and luxury handbags. The material is ground, and then mixed with water, natural rubber and acacia bark. Enspire is a polyester-cellulose blend that allows moisture to pass through, so that a wall can breath to inhibit mold growth. The manufacturing process is designed to minimize adverse environmental impact. Enspire can be recycled. Ecore is a new wall covering made through a proprietary low-energy process that relies on nanotechnology. It's designed to compete directly with vinyl and is resistant to stains and tearing. However it doesn't burn or release any VOCs, and it's completely recyclable.
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